Green Gang: Wild Wild West Wing

Event Date: 24/08/2023 10:00 - 12:00

Explore the recently restored West Wing and help us build a big bug hotel!

Explore the recently restored West Wing and help us build a big bug hotel!

The West Wing of Fort Burgoyne sits above Coombe Hole with a fantastic view over Dover. The site has recently been restored into a community space which we are keen to make into a fantastic location for both people and wildlife. Using natural and recycled materials we hope to create a large bug hotel for the smaller wildlife residents in the West Wing to enjoy.

Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and wear shoes with good grip and support and no open toes. We will be walking across the top of Coombe Hole to reach our activity location in Fort Burgoyne’s West Wing, consequently please arrive promptly for a 10:00am start. Please inform us beforehand of any mobility issues.

Tickets: Minimum donation £1. Children must be accompanied at all times. Due to limited spaces we appreciate only one adult accompanying each child during the event. Please note each ticket booked is for one child plus one accompanying adult.

Distance: 1 mile.

Meeting point: Entrance gate at top of Coombe Hole on Dover Road, opposite junction for Burgoyne Heights. 

Parking: On street parking available nearby.

Tickets: Minimum donation £1. Children must be accompanied at all times. Due to limited spaces we appreciate only one adult accompanying each child during the event. Please note each ticket booked is for one child plus one accompanying adult.

Leader: Lauren - 07874 888035

Event Location - Fort Burgoyne

Fort Burgoyne

Located beside Dover Castle and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Fort Burgoyne is a scheduled ancient monument dating back to the 1860s. Originally known as "Castle Hill Fort," it was built to defend Dover Castle. In addition to the historical buildings, a diverse range of wildlife can be found on site, including Common lizards and Slow worms, and is a site of high importance for several bat species. Currently, the main Fort Burgoyne building is closed to the public, except during events. WCCP manage Fort Burgoyne, including The West Wing, Coombe Hole and Burgoyne Heights Recreation Ground on behalf of The Land Trust.

The what3words location of the entrance to Fort Burgoyne is - ///topped.hunter.push

The West Wing

In 2023, the West Wing Battery of Fort Burgoyne was opened to the public following significant investment in the conservation of its structures and improvements to accessibility. With restricted opening times, the West Wing Battery welcomes visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This area features historical elements such as the gatehouse, gun shed, tool shed, and gun platform, all dating back to the construction of Fort Burgoyne.

From the gun platform, visitors can enjoy views of Dover Town, Dover Castle, and Britain’s busiest ferry port. Adding to the experience is the immersive sound installation “I Would Rather Walk With You” by Emily Peasgood. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council as part of the Pioneering Places East Kent project, this installation combines archival audio of soldiers, bespoke choral recordings, and community-produced material. It takes visitors on a journey, honouring the site’s military history while celebrating its evolution into a community space.

The what3words location of the entrance to The West Wing is - ///spices.super.noted  

Recreation Ground

Spanning 7 hectares, the recreation ground and woodland surrounding the northern and eastern areas of the Fort offer glimpses into its ditch, as well as breath taking views of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the English Channel.